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Using former slate quarry locomotives the line currently stops half a mile short of the town at Pen y Bont.

But plans to bring trains to the town centre itself have progressed after The Bala Lake Railway Trust announced it has secured the first piece of land for the new Bala Town station after an exchange of contracts took place earlier this month.

Julian Birley, the Trust’s chairman, said that securing the first plot of land at Heol Aran near to the town centre is a “hugely significant step” towards the construction of the extension of the railway.

Julian Birley, chair of the Bala Lake Railway Trust (Image: ugc tnw)

He said: “The land has been paid for by the very generous donations of our supporters across the UK, showing how important the Red Dragon Project is and how it has captured people’s imaginations.

“The Trust is indebted to the fantastic work of volunteer solicitor Lisa Williams who has been instrumental in the purchase.”

It is also the Trust’s next intention to purchase a nearby derelict warehouse. After site clearance, this would allow a proper presence for the railway to be established in Bala with direct access from Heol Aran and the opposite car park.

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The new Bala Town Station would also have retail and catering facilities with office and volunteer accommodation and a covered train shed will provide secure overnight storage for the passenger rolling stock.

The news comes after the railway announced it carried a record number of passengers in 2016, with numbers up by 14% on 2015, and up by over 33% on the numbers carried in 2014.

Proposed route of the River Dee crossing at Bala by the Bala Lake Railway Trust (Image: ugc tnw)

To celebrate St David’s Day on March 4, free steam train rides are being offered to North Wales residents only.

Trains leave Llanuwchllyn at 11.30am, 1.20pm and 3pm; and Bala at 12.05pm and 2pm.

Anyone boarding will have to bring proof of their address before they can enjoy the free trip.

However, if you don’t qualify, the railway is offering return tickets at less than half price (Adults £5, Children £2).